Our Team

We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.

Pamela Antoinette Nicholas

Pamela Nicholas is a dedicated educator with over 35 years of teaching experience. She began her career as a class teacher and went on to serve as the head of an institution for 10 years. In 1996, she received specialised training in the NIOS curriculum and has since passionately guided students in building strong academic foundations and achieving their full potential.

Founder/ Faculty

Ian Anthony Nicholas

Ian Nicholas is a commerce graduate with a deep passion for accounting and finance. He began his professional journey in banking and built an exceptional 42-year career. Following his distinguished banking career, Mr. Nicholas transitioned into education, where he has spent the past 15 years teaching Commerce and Accountancy to secondary and senior secondary students. With over five decades of combined professional and teaching experience, Ian Nicholas continues to inspire and mentor students, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to excel in commerce and beyond.

Co-Founder/ Faculty

Lydia Sophia Nicholas

Head of Academy/ Faculty

With over 12 years of experience in elementary education, Lydia is a passionate primary school educator dedicated to creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for young learners. Lydia is skilled in building inclusive and differentiated classrooms that support diverse learners while promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and literacy development. She has successfully improved student literacy, analytical writing, and grade-level proficiency through targeted interventions and formative assessments. Committed to holistic education, she fosters strong relationships with students and parents to create a positive environment where children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Joseph Kalai is a Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, researcher, and mental health entrepreneur with extensive experience in therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and human performance enhancement. He is the founder of CHEER, an organization dedicated to innovative mental health interventions, equine therapy, and neurocognitive development programs. Passionate about innovation in mental health and education, Joseph continues to contribute to research, training, and holistic therapeutic approaches that promote cognitive, emotional, and human performance development.

Head of Operations/ Faculty

Joseph Kalai

Nicole is an educator, social worker, and creative facilitator with experience across early childhood education, curriculum development, and community initiatives. She is passionate about designing engaging, inquiry-led learning experiences that support both academic growth and emotional well-being. Her work spans classrooms, NGOs, and corporate spaces, where she conducts interactive workshops for children and adults—blending art, sensory play, storytelling, and nature-based experiences. Nicole is deeply committed to holistic learning and believes in making education meaningful, inclusive, and rooted in curiosity and play.

 Content Lead/ Faculty

Nicole Marie Mathew

Daniel Jude Nicholas

 Volunteer/ Faculty

Daniel is a hospitality professional whose career has been built on versatility, people-first service, and a passion for creating exceptional experiences. A graduate of IIHM Pune, he began working in the hospitality industry at just 17 years old. Today, Daniel is part of the team at Poonawalla Aviation, where he manages travel planning while also serving as onboard crew. He is also an educator in Bakery & Confectionery and Front Office, while being a co-founder of Esperar Trust, and is someone who naturally brings warmth, positivity, and energy into every space he enters. His diverse background and genuine love for people make him an invaluable part of our team.

​Meet Tissa James, an enthusiastic educator who will be handling Science, Maths, and Social Science at Nickellis Academy. She holds an MSc. in Biotechnology and brings two years of experience teaching ICSE (8th & 9th) and Secondary NIOS levels at St. Vincent Pallotti. Driven by a true passion for teaching, Tissa thrives on connecting with her students to make learning vibrant and engaging. Known for her approachable nature, she aims to build strong mentor-student relationships that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. When she isn't in the classroom, she channels her creativity into arts and crafts, running a small business on Instagram called @DOTS.dreamsofthesoul. She looks forward to bringing this same creative energy into her lessons and embarking on a wonderful, productive journey with everyone at the academy.

 Faculty

Tissa James

Lydia Shalom

 Student Coordinator/ Faculty

Lydia Shalom is a tech enthusiast on a mission to inspire! A proud alum of Nickellis Academy (Secondary) and Pallotti (PUC), she just couldn't stay away from her roots. For the past three years, Lydia has been bringing her vibrant energy back to Nickellis Academy. She masterfully juggles her own studies as a BCA student with her dual roles as a Computer Science teacher and Data Entry Operator. Passionate about all things tech, education, and lifelong learning, Lydia is dedicated to making the digital world fun and accessible for everyone!